When the ancient Polynesians invented surfing, they often used a paddle to help them navigate. Fast-forward a few millennia, and Stand-Up Paddleboarding, or SUP, finds itself trendy again. Part of its increasing popularity is that standing upright allows surfers to spot waves more easily and thus catch more of them, multiplying the fun factor. Paddling back to the wave becomes less of a strain as well. The ability to cruise along on flat inland water, surveying the sights, is another advantage. Finally, its a good core workout. If youre sold on the idea, schedule an intro SUP lesson, free with board and paddle rental, and you may find yourself riding the waves like a Polynesian king.More

Many of us remember coming home from our elementary schools with freshly glazed pinchpots, cups, or whatever else our young imaginations could conjure up. Saturday mornings at the Randall Museum can bring that memory back, or create a new one for the youngsters. Ceramics make great gifts — especially on Mothers' and Fathers' Day. Hop on board for the Randall's once-weekly class, and for $6 and two weeks to have your work fired and glazed, you'll have all the materials you need.More

Truly the biggest sign that arena rock is long dead and gone is the fact that you can no longer find lighters with adjustable flame control. Yes, this means that when the encore begins, you cannot set that sucker on "concert length" while you whoop for Skynnyrd to come back out.

There was a pathetic smattering of lil lights when Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band went backstage before his encore, probably because this guy is known for his marathon concerts, and we all knew he was damn sure gonna come back to the stage. He did, and lit into "Badlands," "Thunder Road," and "Dancing in the Dark," all with the

full arena lights on. In a place as big as the Oracle, seeing the band play with all the lights on has a strange, equalizing effect. He was just another guy up there, playing his blue-collar heart out, and we were all his honored guests. It was the closest thing to a Christian revival that Godless heathens like ourselves will ever find, and more than enough reason to revive arena rock for this soul-searcher.

Bruce is getting older, which, by the way, can be said of about 90% of the audience. Is his brand of rock truly as dead as the concert length lighter? Sure, there was a smattering of Nebraska-lovin' hipsters, but beyond that, it was an over 50 demographic. Bruce is allowed to get older, though. This ain't the Strokes. He'll be going strong 'til he's 100.

But here's the real magic of Bruce Springsteen: He makes you proud to be an American; no easy feat for a liberal these days. He is a true Democrat on a Republican's salary, speaking up for the little guy and decrying the effects of the Bush years. He introduced many of his songs by talking about the death of Habeus Corpus, lies that have gotten us into intractable situations, and the soldiers on the front lines. He reminded us that America was still here, the ideas behind our nation are still here, somewhere. I was proud of my countryman and my country. It also helps that his music is epic and soaring; I suppose it brings up those same feelings that Sean Hannity gets when

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Sub Pop recording artists 'clipping.' brought their brand of noise-driven experimental hip hop to the closing night of 2016's San Francisco Electronic Music Fest this past Sunday. The packed Brava Theater hosted an initially seated crowd that ended the night jumping and dancing against the front of the stage. The trio performed a set focused on their recently released Sci-Fi Horror concept album, 'Splendor & Misery', then delved into their dancier and more aggressive back catalogue, and recent single 'Wriggle'.
Opening performances included local experimental electronic duo 'Tujurikkuja' and computer music artist 'Madalyn Merkey.'"